Bennett Miller to direct ‘Moneyball’

'Capote' helmer in talks with Col for Brad Pitt starrer

Columbia Pictures is handing the ball to helmer Bennett Miller for its pic “Moneyball.”

The “Capote” director is in negotiations to take the helm of the Brad Pitt starrer.

Real-life story is based on Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane, who defied conventional wisdom and even his own scouts by fielding a baseball team of castoffs who went on to enjoy one of the most unlikely winning streaks in the history of professional sports.

Steve Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin penned the script based on Michael Lewis’ bestselling tome. Stan Chervin wrote an earlier draft.

Steven Soderbergh had been attached to direct the pic, which is considered a tricky sell overseas given baseball’s limited appeal outside the U.S. Col has been working to get the project back on track; after reading Soderbergh’s rewrite, studio topper Amy Pascal pulled the plug on the film just days before lensing was to begin.

With indie-weaned Miller in the director’s chair, project’s budget will likely be downsized, though no decision has been made yet.

Insiders say that after Soderbergh dropped off the project, studio targeted two indie directors for the job: Miller and “(500) Days of Summer” helmer Marc Webb.

“Moneyball” is being produced by Michael De Luca, Scott Rudin and Rachael Horovitz.